Especially in today’s age of artificial intelligence (AI), those of us in creative industries need to keep our standards high. Some areas of creativity that are essential to the integrity of the arts could include:

  • Writing: as a writer for SEO (search engine optimization), my company believes that the human element is the best asset that sets us apart from all the other digital media companies.
  • Art: One of our clients does caricature art live at events, which sets them apart from a random person just using an AI platform to generate this type of art form. They evoke an emotional side to the art that AI cannot replicate!
  • Music: As a musician as well, this is one type of creativity that AI needs to stay far away from! AI cannot express an emotional connection with the audience that a musician can invoke by sharing their raw, true selves.
  • Photography: As far as AI has come in creating images, you can still tell that they are AI-generated. A real, live person behind the lens will always create photography that tells a better story and evokes an emotional response much better than any AI platform. Plus, people will more likely have all their fingers and the right number of limbs too (haha)!

When it comes to AI and the business world, according to an article in Forbes about how Emotional Intelligence is More Important Than Ever in the Age of AI, “In most cases, AI won’t replace entire jobs, but speed up or automate certain aspects of them, often freeing staff up to work on something more satisfying or of higher value. The emotionally intelligent, human side of work is something it is unlikely to be able to replicate, at least in the near future. AI’s power lies in being able to process vast amounts of data with speed and accuracy, but its limitations become apparent when it encounters the complexity of human behaviors. It’s also known for its fallibilities, sometimes producing false responses to prompts or biased outcomes because of the data it’s working on or the way it has been programmed.

I define emotional intelligence as self-awareness, which is a critical skill in this increasingly AI-driven world. Whatever level someone is working at, it’s important that they know how to read the room and adapt how they work with a colleague or client. For some, building a rapport might involve asking lots of questions about their family life; for others, they would rather you get straight to the point. Humans are adept at this and relationships are where they outshine their robot teammates. They also possess the critical thinking to be able to tell when something is wrong, to give that final pass on an AI-driven outcome. So, if the AI tool is telling us that someone is the perfect candidate for the company but we can see they are not a good fit, that’s where we add value,”.

AI lacks emotional intelligence

In music, AI lacks the ability to express how it feels to have your heart broken; how it feels to lose someone to cancer; what it feels like to score the winning points for your team; what it feels like to let those you love down; how it feels while driving on a sunny summer day to go on vacation in Up North Pure Michigan; how it feels to swim in Lake Michigan; how the smell of a fall day makes one feel; how it feels and sounds to sit next to a campfire on a brisk night; what a child feels on Christmas morning, the list goes on ad infinitum.  

The running theme here is how we connect with feelings. One heart talking to another without saying a word. We are not robots. We are human beings, not human doings. Machines cannot replace us. Machines and robots exist to assist humans – not replace them. Let’s hear what the experts have to say about why emotional intelligence is a critical skill that will not be replicated.

Experts Roche Martin cite that, “As artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionises industries, a critical distinction emerges: what sets humans apart from machines is emotional intelligence (EQ)—the uniquely human capacity to understand, manage, and harness emotions in ways machines cannot replicate.

EQ: A Critical Human Advantage

As AI takes over technical tasks, EQ emerges as a vital human strength, particularly in workplaces where empathy, adaptability, and trust drive innovation. Leaders with high EQ excel at fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and building relationships. Studies show interpersonal skills, not technical expertise, will be the most in-demand abilities of the future.

Why EQ Matters in an AI World

Barrett’s insights remind us that emotions are not hardwired signals but complex, context-dependent constructs. This complexity underscores why emotional intelligence is irreplaceable in a world increasingly shaped by AI,”.

Is AI art a threat to artists

Again, I do not think so because AI cannot have feelings, and art is, I believe, the rawest form of humans expressing their innermost selves. While AI can use a mathematical formula to create music, caricatures, paintings, or sculptures, it lacks the innate gift an artist possesses.

For example, someone without the innate gift of making music cannot just take hours and hours of classes to become a musician. On the other hand, someone like me who has gratefully been given the gift of musical abilities, perfecting the skill with practice comes easily.

Furthermore, I come from a musical family. Throughout middle school, with concert band as an elective for three years and high school music classes, I was able to learn and play well, the following instruments:

  • Percussion instruments                 
  • Guitar
  • Piano

In college, I continued my musical studies by retaking guitar and piano, and at that time, I was considering making music my major. I ended up focusing on marketing and public relations, and today, I am a writer, but I still play my instruments at home with my children.

Music is always on in the background, since I rarely watch television. While some people might seem to have a natural knack for playing an instrument or singing, it’s really a skill that still takes a lot of practice and concentration. Something AI is not capable of replicating as well as humans can.

Emotional intelligence in the age of artificial intelligence

In conclusion, as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, emotional intelligence remains a crucial skill. By balancing both, we can foster more meaningful interactions and create a harmonious future where technology and human empathy coexist.